As exceptionally scarce as it is fascinating, this autochange disk player by the Polyphon Musikwerke in Leipzig, Germany can change between six disks and play with the incredibly rare addition of bells that accompany the music. Before a coin is dropped into the slot, slide the brass indicator until it points to the desired music selection, insert a penny, and the chosen song will play automatically. An extremely limited number of these automatic disk changers were ever created, and even fewer have survived in such outstanding condition.
Standing over seven feet tall, this particular model boasts a magnificent walnut case with handsome burl panels on its original, matching storage cabinet. A true technical marvel for its day, Polyphon’s automatic disk changer symbolizes pure ingenuity and superlative craftsmanship. This antique player is accompanied by 12– 22-inch disks, which can still be purchased in any musical genre.
Similar Polyphon autochange disk players are pictured in both the First and Second editions of The Music Box Handbook, by Graham Webb.
Circa 1890
35" wide x 21 3/4" deep x 85" high
Did You Know?
The first versions of automatic musical instruments became popular in the 18th century, with incredible disk players such as this being the zenith of the genre. These marvels went by the wayside with the invention of the gramophone, making these works of musical art rare and highly desired.
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